As part of its continuing efforts to improve the research capability of its member institutions, the Central Luzon Health Research and Development Consortium or CLHRDC recently held a seminar on project management at the DOST Region III conference room.

The seminar was aimed at providing researchers skills on how to manage a research project with particular emphasis on its financial aspect. Ms. Paula Jane De Leon of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD-DOST) discussed the administrative requirements of a research grant and the responsibilities of a project manager that will contribute to the successful implementation of the project. Other resource persons included Dr. Jean Guillasper of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology; Dr. Jacqueline Bagunu of Pampanga State Agricultural University and Dr. Reynaldo Bundalian, Jr. of the Angeles University Foundation who shared their best practices as project managers.

Also discussed during the seminar were the latest developments in the field of herbal medicine research. Mr. Paul Felipe Cruz, President of Herbanext Laboratories, Inc. was invited to talk on the topic in response to the growing number of research proposals related to drug discovery and development. Mr. Cruz shared his experience in establishing a certified natural products company. Through his talk, CLHRDC hopes that its members may also be encouraged to embark on a similar venture of developing herbal medicine and pursue it to eventual commercialization.

CLHRDC plans to conduct similar capacity building activities next year.